February 04, 2012
Your America
This year, 2012 in America is a very important year. It is that time again to pick a new president or re-elect the one in office for four more years. Also, many state and federal offices are up for reelection.
We, in America, have a party system. Each party nominates their man or woman for the highest office in the land. Only one party will have the winner. Many people will be disappointed while others very happy. We have the best form of government in the world, but still people are not satisfied.
The best man does not always win. The man who gets the most votes wins. The key is for every American to get out and vote for your choice. To vote is a privilege that every American should take advantage of. Don't complain if you don't vote.
Countries rise or fall many times because the leaders are either good or corrupt. Corrupt leaders attract others who are corrupt or willing to be corrupted. Good, honest leaders attract people like themselves; like attracts like. Yet, in a country like ours that is so big and has so much money in taxes, the temptation is great for corruption. Sometimes a little leaven corrupts the whole lot. Not everyone can handle power and popularity. We know that power corrupts, but it need not to.
Our history of Presidents has given America some great, honest men, like Washington, Jefferson, and Abe Lincoln, just to name a few. We have had failures too. But that is our system and we must live with it. We must admit that this is not a Christian nation anymore. We were founded on Christian principles by Christian leaders, even though not all of our founding fathers were Christians. But, these great statesmen gave us the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that gave America the ability to be the great nation she is today.
America will only remain great as long as our leaders remain true to our constitution and the laws of the land. Our prosperity came and still comes from free enterprise and capitalism where every person born in America has opportunities to excel in life.
True freedom is not easy to achieve or keep. Freedom is everyone's business. Our freedom has always had a cost. The cost of lives during wartime, the cost of taxes to run our country, the cost of hard work to be successful and the cost of greed and selfish ambition that plagues our country from time to time.
Our ancestors paid a high price for our freedom. Some died on the high seas before they ever got to America. Others died from hunger or diseases while building our country. Some lost their fortunes and lives fighting for our independence from England. Some died at a young age giving birth to children in a very primitive country. But, they didn't give up and quit. They birthed new generations who made things better for that new generation. Today it would be well to reflect on those brave, great souls who believed in freedom and paid the price so we could enjoy this great land.
Get out and vote this year. Support the party of your choice. Be a real American and get involved in your community and with people. Look for ways to improve things for you and your neighbors. Remember, we have an obligation to the next generation.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
January 26, 2012
Where Did We Go Wrong
The American scene is one of great opportunities, but they come at a price. Everything is built on power and money. The way to get ahead is the driving force and it's leaving a path of destruction wider than can be measured.
Our society is drunk with consumerism and entertainment. Character and ethics are disappearing as fast as the older generation is dying off. The younger generation's idea of right and wrong is coming out of a new book, but not the "Good Book".
When this country got rid of the outhouse and the woodhouse, we began a season in history that will affect us forever. Our youth are bored and their parents are too busy making money to care. Youth with too much idle time on their hands is guarantee for trouble. The youth of today are lacking two great character builders. They are, learning to work and being responsible for their actions.
When you address this problem, everyone gets into the blame game. The government is not doing enough or the schools are not doing their job, or there is nothing in our neighborhoods for the kids to do. And on and on it goes.
The real problem that is at the bottom of all this is in the home. Our homes are being destroyed by a very immoral, liberal society gone mad over success and money. The home for most people today is just a place to sleep and get clean clothes. The families don't eat together, don't pray together, don't play together, don't travel together, etc.
A high number, and I mean really high number, of children are raised by single parents or
grandparents. These people are stuck with the children and have no choice. They may or may not love them, but they are all the kids have. This presents all kinds of problems especially with discipline and respect
Then, to add insult to injury, we have a society of liberal people who do not want children spanked. Without the proper discipline, children grow up to be monsters that kill people. They can't be taught in school or college because they grow up without respect for authority.
So, what do we have in America? The greatest country in the world with all the conveniences anyone could ever want. But we are destroying ourselves, we are destroying our future, and we are reaping a harvest of a nation gone bad morally and spiritually.
This country was founded on the greatest principles in the world; biblical principles. Our laws and constitution were designed on the biblical truth. But, now as a nation, we have abandoned God in our courts, schools and social gatherings. After 300 years now, it is not politically correct to pray in public.
All great nations in history were built on strong character, produced by strong homes that were produced by strong Christian principles. Think on these things.
Chaplain Bud
January 19, 2012
You Can Do It
Well, Christmas is over and the New Year begins. Its wintertime and the snow and cold temperatures are our constant challenges. Oh how the joy of Christmas slips away so quickly in cold weather.
So, how can we retain our Christmas spirit? It is the spirit of giving and sharing; the true spirit of our Lord Jesus' birthday; the reason for the season.
It's so easy to slip back into our old routines and old habits. But, we don't have to. We have a choice and maybe if you read this, you too can make 2012 a very new and joyful year.
First, be generous throughout the year like you were for Christmas. Be generous not only with your money but generous with your time and talents. We look for people to help at Christmastime so don't stop looking now. People still need help. Here are two verses to think about.
"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable to what one has, not according to what he does not have." II Cor. 8:12
"He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." II Cor. 8:15
Second, be grateful. When we go through Christmas or vacation time, these are high days. Days of plenty and joy, but now we are back to work and the old routines. We forget to be grateful and thankful. Now we are in the planting and working stage to have a new crop of happiness. We are always preparing for the next event to come into our lives. This is called the process of life. We must go through valleys to get to the mountain tops. Here is another good verse.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." II Cor. 9:6
Thankful people are generous and generous people are showing their gratitude by their deeds.
Third, be a good employee. We trade our work and time for money. We need money to live, to feed our families and support our communities. The good employees work hard and are honest. The good employees are dependable and follow orders well. The good employees have good attitudes and do no gossip. In other words, a good employee likes his job and lives by a good value system based on solid convictions of right and wrong.
Fourth, see your life as having real value. Value to our family, to your friends, to your employer, to your Lord, to all you come in contact with. You give your life value by your character and convictions. You give your life value by your actions and words. We are what we do and think.
You see, our value system gives us our purpose in life. To retain the Christmas spirit we must work at it every day. It needs to come naturally out of joy and satisfaction in our heart. Remember your life will pay you only what you think you are worth.
Chaplain Bud
January 13, 2012
2012 Is Coming
Another year is almost over. In a few weeks we will be in 2012. The possibility of doing much more in 2011 is slipping away.
But, it’s a great time of year. Christmas is a time when even mean people are nice. People are filled with the giving spirit of Christmas. Gifts flow like there is no tomorrow. College kids are home and all is well with the world.
Yes, Christmastime is a special time, when family and friends become first place. Some doors are opened that were closed all year. If the truth was known, there may be more forgiveness given at Christmas than any other time of the year.
Since this year is almost over, it’s time to be planning for 2012, three hundred-sixty five unused days. Days filled with opportunities and challenges. Many things are going to happen even if we are not prepared.
Some people will die in 2012. Others will be born. Others will buy their first house or begin a new job. Yes, all of this is yet to come. Are you prepared?
Of course we have a major election in 2012. It will be the major part of the news until it is over. Some people will be very happy with the election outcome, and others will be unhappy. But, that is our American way. It’s our privilege to vote, so get out and vote in 2012. This is going to be part of our 2012 experiences along with many others.
My question is this; How prepared are you for 2012? The year will come even if we are not prepared.
People make a lot of New Year’s resolutions. Resolutions they can’t keep or don’t intend to keep. They have the desire but lack the discipline. They may even be determined, but still discipline is the key.
So why not begin today to prepare for 2012? First, make a list of goals you want to achieve in the New Year. Things like change jobs, or find a different house, or buy another car, or begin exercising, or going to church, or continuing your education.
Second, now list each goal separately. Then list the things you must do to accomplish your goals. Try to think of the cost, time, and everything involved. Then one by one do the same with all your goals.
Third, list your goals in the order you want to accomplish them. Then begin to concentrate on your number one. Stick to it till it’s finished then move on to number two, etc.
Now keep in mind you are the one who is going to make these things happen. Your determination and discipline must be greater than those around you. Avoid all negative people. Don’t become discouraged or begin to doubt yourself. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice. You will probably have to. Don’t let distractions keep you from working at your goals. Do whatever it takes, as long as it takes, until you reach your goals.
Finally, don’t waste next year. We only get one life and it is short at best. Success and happiness depend on you, not others. You can do it.
Chaplain Bud